|
Modern Senegambian Music
Scene |
Music
websites
 (free downloads)
Videos
|
Hip Hop
Ndaga - Mbalax Reggae
 Modern Gambian music
has
 evolved
over the years thanks to influences from Latin America in the late
1960's and 1970s as well as other countries from the region such as
Congolese music as well as the musical traditions of the Fulas, Jolas,
Wolofs and other ethnic groups. They all helped to create the uniquely
Senegambia style of Mande music. Hip Hop and Reggae also feature
prominently among the youth in contemporary culture.
Forerunners & Origins:
The
legendary band known as the Super Eagles, formed in  the
late 1960s,
were at the forefront of the post-independence musical talent to
emerge from Gambia. They had gained legendary status in much of
West Africa at this time and toured the UK and the rest of Europe as
well. They were influenced by West African music styles such as from the
Congo as well as by Afro-Cuban Salsa and Jazz. They were the
first
modern Mande dance band in the country and toured widely including
to countries such as
Senegal and Sierra Leone as well as
a visits to the UK and much of Europe. However, following the strong
Pan- Africanist feeling at the time which emphasised original
indigenous culture they decided to disband in 1972 and
re-formed in 1973 under the new name Ifang Bondi. Their sound had
evolved into a genuine, home- grown Senegambian style of music
combining traditional musical instruments such as the Kora with the
modern electric guitar. To many they were the pioneers of the
Afro-Manding music who paved the way for
other local bands such as Guelewar and
other Senegambian greats
including the likes of Baaba Maal and Youssou N'dour
of Ndaga fame. Mr. N'dour himself has acknowledged their influence on
him. Though they are both Senegalese they likewise
influenced modern Gambian
musical culture. Today it is it is N'dour's
Mbalax style
(helped along by the singer Viviane, his
relation) that reigns supreme.
Contemporary:
 Today many happily
combine the traditional with the new such as the Riti, tama, Kora and sabarr musical instruments with modern
instruments such as the electric guitar, organ, drum and bass to
create a uniquely West African style. The output comes in the form of
Ndaga, Africanized Reggae and Hip Hop with mostly Wolof or English
lyrics but also includes Jola, Mandinka and other local tongues.
Modern and traditional bands include Jalex, Jambedula Cultural Group,
Daniel Jatta, Manding Jatta. Though many local youths try desperately to get onto the bandwagon a
shortage of cash and a small local market base often hinders any
advancement. Many musicians have been forced to go abroad in
particular to Senegal where they have banded up with other groups.
Thus as can be seen above there is no single style of music that can
be called "Gambian" as the traditional sits side-by-side with the
modern as well as a fusion of the old and the new played with
instruments both indigenous and 'borrowed'.
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
